Support Stephanie’s recovery and healing journey.

As Stephanie recovers from her lung transplant surgery, and while she hasn’t asked for anything, we know the road ahead is long, both emotionally, physically and financially. She’s the kind of person who gives to others (humans and animals), and now, it’s our turn to surround her with love, support, and a little bit of relief during this difficult time. Every donation, big or small, is a way to say, “We’ve got you.”

The goal of this GoFundMe is to cover “in between costs” that are not covered by insurance! Insurance only covers the basics as we all know, but having to basically live away from her home for weeks and months at a time comes with its own set of challenges and costs, including transportation, food, unpaid time off work, meeting deductibles, and uncovered medical bills by insurance! And so much more!

Please consider donating what you can, no amount is too small. Sharing this campaign with your friends and family is also a huge help. Together, we can make sure Stephanie feels loved and supported every step of the way.

A message from Brian, her loving and supportive husband.

Hello everyone,

I find myself reluctantly writing this, but have been thinking with some helpful insight, it may help some of you folks who can’t be here, help in any little way.

If you’re here; you know Stephanie. Also, if you’re here, you know that she’s been at odds with her Pulmonary Hypertension for nearly the past four years. With an idiopathic diagnosis crushing her ability to enjoy the outdoors we moved to the UP to enjoy, she’s stayed positive in work, social, and home life. Insisting I finish school despite being away for 2-4 months at a time, and staying at work not realizing the toll it was taking; she’s put on a massively strong front. We’ve worked to keep going as much as possible at a normal pace, but the disease is beyond crippling, while being nearly invisible. She always says, “There’s nothing wrong with me, I just can’t breathe.”

Now she can.

While we were struggling to get through the past few months with some degrading conditions, her optimism persevered and we arrived at May 5th. With spring and good weather, we received the phone call we had been waiting for so desperately. The transplant was a success, and we’re here working on recovery to fully begin post-op. Far from being out of the woods, but a path is at least defined ahead. We are extremely fortunate to have insurance and the massive levels of support from family and friends to get us through; I am still taking the time off for care and aid. The recovery is between 2 and 3 months intensely, and then ongoing for the next year for true stability. I’ll be in Ann Arbor or the surrounding area for the brunt of that, as we need to be close to the hospital in the event of any adverse situations. Looking at Airbnb/monthly rentals, and food being the biggest challenge away from home. Stephanie’s mom is helping greatly by watching Ruby so we don’t have to subject her to a kennel again, while also coming to help when I have to go to work for currency.

Anything we have in excess as a result of this will go to some charity of Stephanie’s choosing - either PaH, animal or similar benefits. There is no expectation of donation or anything other than love and goodwill, but everyone and everything is beyond appreciated.